Have you wondered which is the best wood-look floor? Although there are materials that imitate this material perfectly, such as ceramic and vinyl floors, wood-type porcelain tile is the most popular alternative, and here we explain why.
Porcelain tile is a highly resistant material, easy to install, and easy to maintain. For this reason, wood-type porcelain flooring has become a more practical alternative among those looking for the natural finish of wood.
So that you can make the best purchasing decision for your wall and floor coverings, we will tell you the basic aspects that you should know about wood-type porcelain tile and, thus, you will know if it is the ideal type of floor for your project.
What is wood-type porcelain tile?
Wood-type porcelain is a ceramic coating that, in its style, imitates the grain, texture, and general appearance of natural wood. It is usually used to create visually welcoming environments, with the advantage that it is more resistant and does not require specialized care like natural material.
Although visually the finish is similar to that of natural wood, you must keep in mind that porcelain is a cold material to the touch.
Characteristics of wood-type porcelain tile:
Porcelain tile is a type of tile made from clay. This manufacturing process is what gives wood-type porcelain tile the following characteristics:
- Due to its low porosity, it has a water absorption percentage of 0.5% or less. This makes it the clay coating that most resist moisture compared to ceramic and porcelain stoneware, ideal for installing in a bathroom or kitchen floor remodeling.
- Due to its hardness, it is resistant to abrasion, wear, and traction. For this reason, it is usually used in areas with intensive use such as hallways, living rooms, or commercial premises.
- It has a smooth, enameled finish, which makes cleaning easier and prevents the absorption of spilled liquids on the surface.
- It comes in different designs and styles. Wood-type porcelain imitates the texture of the natural material.
- It is also resistant to extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. It can be used as an interior and exterior coating.
According to Vaughan bathroom renovation contractors, its installation must be carried out by qualified personnel. The pieces can only be cut with diamond blades and special mortars (glues) are needed to adhere to the surface.
They are one of the most resistant coatings on the market
The main advantage of imitation wood porcelain tile, like any type of porcelain tile, is its durability.
This is a practically waterproof material, it not only resists water, but also humidity, abrasion, scratches, and impacts. In addition, it withstands temperature changes very well, it is antibacterial and you will also get non-slip versions.
When making the purchase, do not forget to ask your advisor for the PEI scale of the porcelain tile.
Its care is easier and faster
Unlike natural wood, wood-type porcelain does not need polishing or waxing, it does not discolor or age over time. How to clean a wood-type porcelain floor? For daily cleaning, you can sweep it to remove dust and scrub it with a mop moistened with water and common detergent.
If you need to remove a stain, you can use any cleaning product. The key is to quickly remove the spill to prevent permanent staining of the floor.
Variety of designs
Another advantage of this coating is its wide variety of designs. In stores, you find different wood-look porcelain tiles that change in formats, colors, and finishes.
They can be installed in any space in the house
Being one of the most resistant coatings, it has no problems with high foot traffic, humid environments, or changes in climate or temperature.
You can install it in interior spaces such as bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, and dining rooms, or use wood-type porcelain for outdoors such as garages, patios, or terraces.
Wood-type porcelain finishes are increasingly more realistic
With the advancement in printing and stamping techniques, in the new wood-type porcelain tiles there is a very marked detonation between the pieces. This helps to further deepen the wood-like effect, since no piece looks like the others, giving a very natural finish.
Thanks to the subtle differences in color, tone, grain pattern, or stripped finish of the pieces, wood-look porcelain tiles increasingly resemble almost perfectly the appearance of any type of wood such as oak, mahogany, pine, or cherry tree.
What do you think of the effect generated by wood-type porcelain? We at The Renovators of Canada have all the renovation services you need to complete your project.
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